In partnership with Budweiser, the Rangers Salute to Our Troops program will proudly honor and recognize the brave men and women across the Tri-State who have served or currently serve in the United States Armed Forces. As part of our Salute to Our Troops program, the Rangers and Budweiser will recognize military personnel in-arena at select games throughout the season:

Who have demonstrated a commitment of service that has great impact on the community

Whose service or sacrifice has a meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of others

Whose actions provide positive inspiration for others

Who is 21 years old or over

Each selected honoree and three (3) guests will be invited to attend a Rangers home game and get recognized during a TV timeout. Gifts provided as part of Salute to Our Troops to honorees who are active military personnel are contingent upon Department of Defense approval regarding compliance with federal Executive branch gift rules.

Nominations submitted here as well as via other sources will be reviewed on a rolling basis. All Nominations must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on March 1, 2019.

If you have interest in being considered for this honor or you know someone who is deserving of this honor, please submit a nomination for consideration:

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ELIGIBILITY: Nominators: Nominations will be accepted from individuals eighteen (18) years of age or older. Nominees: Nominee must be legal U.S. residents of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut, who are former or currently active* members of the United States Armed Forces, who are at least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of entry, and who reside within a 75-mile radius of Madison Square Garden. Program Terms: https://www.nhl.com/rangers/community/salute-our-troops-program-terms

Recent Honorees

Glenn Waters | March 2018

As a member of the United States Army, Colonel Glenn Waters has served our country for over 30 years. In 2009, while deployed in Iraq, he sustained a gunshot wound during a hostile attack, which left him severely injured. For this, he received the Purple Heart. Throughout his difficult recovery, Colonel Waters was determined to walk again, and he continued to serve as a positive role model for his three children.

Colonel Waters is still an active duty service member - currently assigned to the Pentagon.

During the Salute to Our Troops Ceremony, Glenn's son Kyle was also surprised with a $10,000 scholarship for his collegiate studies as an aeronautical and mechanical engineering major at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Bill Sabia from Budweiser and U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Rocky Sickmann from Folds of Honor made the check presentation.

Nancy Beetstra | February 2018

Nancy Beetstra signed up with the Marine Reserves in 2003 and was deployed to Iraq the following year, as an Emarkation Specialist. While stationed on the main base in Al Ssad, a mortar round exploded close by and shattered the retina in Nancy's right eye. She underwent four surgeries due to infection from the injury, and ultimately was forced to have the eye removed.

While battling depression, Nancy's friend persuaded her to attend Project Odyssey - a Wounded Warrior Project program to help injured service members deal with combat stress. As she began to meet other female warriors, she was inspired to help others facing the same obstacles.

In 2009, Nancy began a full-time career with Wounded Warrior Project as a benefits liasion, and in her spare time enjoys cheering on the Rangers and spending time with her daughter.

As a member of the U.S. Army, Michael Mann was deployed to South Korea in 2008, and then to Afghanistan in 2013, where he survived a vicious attack from the Taliban, that took the lives of some of his fellow soldiers. Mike retired from the Army following 10 years of service, where he earned several awards, including the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal three times, and the Army Commendation Medal four times.

Upon returning from Afghanistan, Mike began working at a consulting firm, implementing green practices to reduce vehicle emissions. Mike is a lifelong Rangers fan who is still serving his country as an active member of the Army Reserves.

William E. Thomas, Jr. is the perfect example of how finding a "band of brothers" can help an airman turn post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) into post-traumatic growth. William served in Saudi Arabia in 2002 and was deployed again in 2007 to Iraq. In January 2010, he retired after 20 years of service - but like so many of his fellow warriors, William battles a different kind of war in his mind every day. "I'll never forget the moment when we were conducting a building search in Iraq, and there was an explosion," remembers William. "The blast killed an Air Force K-9 and injured the handler. Experiences like that have left an indelible mark on me." Those traumatic events, combined with his experiences as a police officer in Newark, NJ, built up in William's mind.

"I was diagnosed with PTSD in 2008, and dealing with it is my greatest challenge," says William. While in treatment, some of his fellow warriors introduced him to Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP), which in turn connected him with even more veterans. Soon William realized he wasn't alone in his battle against PTSD. "I'm inspired by other wounded service members who encourage me and teach me things about PTSD - like keeping my emotions, anxiety, and anger in check so my family is not affected." Since connecting with WWP, William has made great strides toward controlling his PTSD. He's now working toward his college degree and spending time with his family. He's also been empowered to share his story to help other warriors find the help they need.

William has been a selfless warrior and devotes his time to helping other soldiers overcome PTSD. Airforce Honors: Meritorious Service Medal (twice), Iraqi Freedom Medal, Outstanding Unit Award with Valor, AF Commendation Medal and others. Newark Police Honors: Class A - Medal of Honor (X-2), Class B - Medal of Merit, PBA Officer of the year (1994), Other NJ county, state and federal recognition and awards.

Past Seasons

Charles Miller | April 2017

Master Sergeant Miller enlisted in the Army in 1985. He was assigned to the 3rd Ranger Batallion where he served four years. Upon leaving active duty he then re-enlisted in the Army Reserves. He served as a Drill Sergeant for the next 14 years. In 2004 he was deployed to Iraq to train the new Iraqi Army. After returning from Iraq he was assigned to the 174th Infantry Brigade where he served as an instructor, training Service members from all branches deploying overseas. He is now assigned to the Warrior Transition Batallion awaiting a medical retirement. Awards: Bronze Star medal, Meritorious Service medal, Joint Service Commendation medal w/ Valor, Iraqi Campaign medal and the Combat Infantrymans Badge as well as numerous other medals and ribbons. Community Impact: Master Sergeant Miller has served on his local school board, coached numerous sports teams and is now a volunteer at the USO. Connection to NYR: Master Sergeant Miller has been a die hard Rangers fan since he was a child.

Kristian Cedeno | March 2017

A veteran of the Iraq War, Cedeno made his lone deployment to Afghanistan on March 22, 2012, just six days after he married his wife Gwen. A member of the 3rd Infantry Division's 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, Cedeno was on what he called "a regular, routine mission" on July 18, 2012. During the mission, Cedeno's right foot triggered an explosive device. When he was hit with the blast, his lower right leg was missing, his other leg was torn open and burned. Cedeno was carried out to safety, eventually to Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Md., where he endured numerous surgeries and successfully fought to save his left leg. He then was moved to a veteran's hospital in Tampa, FL with the expectation for a stay of six months to a year. But he was discharged after a total of 4 1/2 months with a lot of hard work. Kristian is very inspirational to others. He graduated from Fort Stewart's Warrior Transition Battalion not to civilian life but remained in the service. He also returned to snowboarding - something he had done for 20 years. He'd like to someday play his childhood sport of ice/roller hockey - standing up on two skates, not sled hockey. It was important to Cedeno that his first steps into his Richmond Hill home in November 2012 were on two legs, and that he greeted soldiers returning that month to Fort Stewart without the use of a walker, or crutches, or a cane or, worse yet, a wheelchair, though he had only a couple of weeks practice with his prosthetic leg. He is staying active in the Military now stationed in Fort Carson, Co. as Team Leader 2nd squadron, 1st Calvary regiment. Infantry 1-64 Armor and Infantryman. Awards: Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, Army Achievement Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, NATO medal. As an active military member he strives to show people that nothing can stop you if you believe in yourself and work hard. History with Rangers: He been a Ranger fan forever. Even when stationed at other bases around the USA he always finds a place to watch the Rangers and wear his Ranger gear to root the team on to victory.

Lori Michaud Harmon | February 2017

Lori enlisted in the Connecticut Army National Guard in 1998 and has since remained a full-time member. She furthered her military career in 2006 by becoming a Warrant Officer. In 2013, she was deployed to Kuwait with a combat sustainment support battalion, and is now preparing for an eastern European mobilization later this year. Lori's 19 years of service have earned her multiple medals and distinctions, which include the Meritorious Service Medal, multiple army achievement medals, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal. In her spare time, Lori volunteers at a number of recruiting events in her local community, as well as at events surrounding Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Special Olympics events. Lori is an avid hockey fan, and particularly enjoys watching the Hartford Wolf Pack and the Rangers.

William Scarfuto | January 2017

Chief Master Sergeant William Scarfuto served 33 Years in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, retiring in 2013. He is a Gulf War / Desert Storm Vet and received several medals during his time with the military including the Commendation Achievement medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, and the Southwest Asia Service Medal. William has also served and protected our community as a member of the NYPD for 30 years and is still active as a Sergeant in the Counter Terrorism Division. He was a Ground Zero first responder with NYPD and has been awarded 1 Commendation Medal, 5 Meritorious Police Duty Awards, and 10 Excellent Police Duty Awards.

Fabrizio Bustos | December 2016

Fabrizio A. Bustos is a U.S. Army Combat disabled veteran and Purple Heart Recipient. He is currently the VetsBuild Director at United Way of Long Island, a program dedicated to helping Veterans in Long Island with financial stability, mental wellness and physical fitness. Fabrizio A. Bustos migrated to this country when he was seven years old to the Bronx and then moved to Long Island, NY. When the events of September 11th happened he was affected by the loss of his mother's boyfriend. He then made the decision to join the military. He became a U.S. Armor Crewmen - 19Kilo. During basic training he received orders to Fort Hood, TX, once he reported to his Unit he was in Iraq within a few weeks. After a twelve month deployment he would deploy two more times, totaling in 39 months in a combat zone with over 1,500 combat missions. During his ten years of service he received 4 Army Commendation Medals for actions in combat, the Purple Heart for injuries sustained from enemy contact and The Army Combat Badge. Because of the injuries sustained in 2007, he was no longer able to pass the Army physical fitness test which lead him to honorable discharge in 2013.

Maverick Kendrick | November 2016

Petty Officer, Third Class Maverick Kendrick is a United States Navy Combat Veteran who served 5 years active duty overseas. Originally from Bronx, NY and came from a military family. He spent 3 1/2 years in Yokosuka, Japan on The USS Cowpens (7th Fleet) and near the end of his contract, he received deployment orders to Afghanistan, extending his time served for over a year. During his year and a half deployment in Afghanistan from 2009-2010, Petty Officer Kendrick went on over 100 missions, putting his life on the line every single time. Because of his bravery and willingness to serve, Petty Officer Kendrick has received multiple military recognitions and achievements such as the Army Achievement Medal, Navy & Marine Corp Achievement Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, NATO medal, and Navy Good Conduct Medal. Maverick considers his time spent in the military to be some of the greatest years of his life and he has dedicated himself to continuing to serve his fellow Veterans through The Wounded Warrior Project and aiding in their recoveries.

Daniela Iacovou joined the Army in March of 2002 in response to the 9/11 attacks. In October of 2005 she deployed to Iraq for approximately one year as a line sight operator with the Alpha Company, 250th Signal Battalion, Task Force Liberty. During that time Daniela was stationed at FOB Danger as technical operator of the SEN system which was a key component to keeping communications up and running for all combat missions.

Daniela again deployed to Irag in 2008 for another year. This time she was attached to the 168th Military Police Battalion in Camp Bucca Iraq where she was in charge of maintaining day to day communications for the detainee operations mission.

After completing 8 years in the Army, Daniela Iacovou was honorably discharged as a Specialist. Throughout her Military career, Daniela was awarded several Army Accommodation Medals and Army Achievement medals. In 2009, Daniela was hired as a Sheriff's Officer by the Middlesex County Sheriff's Department in New Brunswick, NJ where she is currently assigned to the family division and works in the juvenile courts. Daniela has dedicated many years of her life serving her country and now is making it her career to serving her local community.

TSgt. Jason W. Cangemi, age 32, is a Guardian Angel Combat Arms Instructor assigned to the 106th Rescue Wing, 103rd Rescue Squadron, Westhampton Beach, New York. He started his military career and enlisted into the United States Marine Corps. on his 18th Birthday in September of 2001 days after 9/11. After his completion of initial training in the Marines, he was assigned to the 2nd Marine Division, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Reconnaissance Battalion of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. While serving on numerous deployments to combat zones in the Middle East to include the invasion of Iraq in 2003, the battles of An Nasiriya in 2003 and Al Fallujah in 2004, he climbed the rank structure and received a combat meritorious promotion making it to the rank of Sergeant. Throughout his career as a Marine he was recognized as 2nd Recon Bn. Marine of the quarter, then on to the 2nd Marine Division Marine of the quarter. Finally he competed for and won the United States Marine of the year in 2004.

In 2005 TSgt. Cangemi was injured on his last deployment to Iraq and decided to pursue a career change and head back to his hometown in Suffolk county and join the USAF, 106th Rescue Wing, New York Air National Guard. He was led there by his lifelong sweetheart since the age of 5, MSgt Kerri Cangemi, who is currently serving in the USAF. In 2009 while both deployed to Bagram Afghanistan, he proposed and is now married to MSgt. Kerri Cangemi. They have a daughter Kaylee, that is 2 years old.

TSgt. Cangemi assisted the 103rd Rescue squadron in numerous state side civil Search and Rescue missions to include Hurricane Sandy, Winter Storm Nemo, lost Cargo Ship El Faro. He has also assisted with the rescue equipment on numerous NASA launch and recovery missions.

On his down time, TSgt. Cangemi is captain and a goaltender for a hockey team in which consists of his local community and military members.

William C. Hayes (Bill) retired as a Senior Master Sergeant (E8) from the 105th Airlift Wing, New York Air National Guard, Stewart Air National Guard Base, Newburgh, New York.

Bill is also retired from the New York City Fire Department (FDNY), Ladder Company 45 (L-45).

Bill enlisted in the US Navy in April 1980 during his senior year of high school. Upon graduation he entered boot camp at Naval Training Center, (NTC) Great Lakes Ill. in Sept 1980. After completing boot camp he attended Aviation Electricians Mate (AE) school at Naval Aviation Technical Training Center, (NATTC) Millington Tenn. Upon graduation he was assigned to VS-37 (S3 Viking, anti submarine warfare squadron) Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, San Diego CA. He made a West Pacific, (WESTPAC) Cruise onboard the USS Enterprise, CVN 65 (Aircraft carrier) from Sept 1982 to Jun 1983.

Bill was released from active duty in 1983 after reaching the rank of Third Class Petty Officer (E4) and immediately enlisted in the United States Naval Reserves (USNR). He was assigned to USNR Naval Air Station Guantanamo Bay Cuba. In 1985 he transferred to VR-52 (C9 airlift squadron) at NAS Willow Grove PA. where he served until May 1991, reaching the rank of Second Class Petty Officer (E5).

Upon being Honorably Discharged from the Naval Reserves in 1991 Bill enlisted in the New York Air National Guard, (NYANG) and was assigned to the 105th Air Lift Wing in Newburgh New York at the rank of Staff Sergeant (E5). In October 2001 he was activated in support of Operation Noble Eagle and deployed to the World Trade Center site. In November 2006 Bill was ordered to Active Duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) with the 105th Air Lift Wing. He was deployed in September 2007 to Bagram Afghanistan and assigned to the 455th Air Expeditionary Force (AEF), Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). He was released from Active Duty on 30 April 2009 and resumed his duty with the 105th Air Lift Wing.

Bill entered the New York City Police Academy in January 1986. Upon graduation he was assigned to Neighborhood Stabilization Unit (NSU) 4 in Manhattan. He was then assigned to 20 Precinct in Manhattan in Dec 1986. He served as a New York City Police Officer (NYPD) until July 1987. Bill left the NYPD to pursue a career with the New York City Fire Department (FDNY) carrying on a family legacy after his father served the department for 27 years. He entered the New York Fire Academy in July 1987 and served 24 years with the FDNY assigned to Ladder Company 16 and Ladder Company 45, both in Manhattan.

Bill responded to both World Trade Center attacks, February 26 1993 and Sept 11 2001. He received four separate citations from the Fire Department including one for his response to the rescue and recovery efforts at the World Trade Center Disaster on September 11 2001. Bill retired from the FDNY on May 19, 2011 after 24 years of service.

Bill retired from the 105th Air Wing on 5 December 2011 after servicing in the military for 31 years, 7 months and 20 days. He received 23 Awards/Decorations including, a Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal and Afghanistan Campaign Medal.

George joined the Air Force in 1986 to become an F-16 Crew Chief. He was inspired by his father and uncles who had served in World War II. After graduating basic training with high honors, he was assigned to the 63rd Aircraft Maintenance Unit. George attended Non Commissioned Officers Leadership School and was a distinguished graduate with high honors. In 1989, he was awarded maintenance professional of the year in the airmen's category.

As a native New Yorker, George was always a Rangers fan. He coached hockey in Augusta, Georgia for many years and taught his children about the game. He has carried on aircraft maintenance for Delta for over 20 years.

Service to his country. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Pritchard completed tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan and deployed in support of Operation Deny Flight, Operation Restore Hope, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom and the World Trade Center in support of rescue and recovery operations at Ground Zero.

He has received over 20 awards and decoration for meritorious service to include most recently while deployed to Bagram Afghanistan in 2012 where he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal - the fourth highest medal awarded in combat.

In addition to his military service, he has also served as a part time civilian Police Officer in his local community for 17 years.

Matias Ferreira, who is a former Marine that lost both his legs to an explosive in Afghanistan, and saved a baby from a burning car in Queens this month, is our honoree for the month of November. In addition to attending the Rangers vs. Hurricanes game on Nov. 10th, Matias enjoyed an exclusive experience with the Rangers at the MSG Training Center and was presented with a personalized camo jersey.